An example of a Better Together T-shirt (Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Better together in Tisdale

Tisdale launches Better Together initiative

Jan 23, 2020 | 12:00 PM

The Better Together program continues to expand to a number of local communities, including Tisdale.

The initiative started in North Battleford after a series of suicides in the community.

Mandy Russell, a member of the Tisdale Suicide Awareness Committee, and the Better Together program, told northeastNOW the program is a way for members of the community to connect, and come together.

There are four different T-shirts with designs on them, and each design resembles two things that are better together, such as salt and pepper.

“The purpose of the shirt is you wear them on certain days designated in your community, and if you see someone else wearing a shirt like yours, you are to go and spark a conversation,” Russell said. “Start visiting somebody, just make people feel like they’re not alone.”

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She said it’s a way of making a stronger, healthier community.

One of the members of the Tisdale Suicide Awareness Committee heard about the program at a conference, and brought it to the attention of fellow members.

The initiative has also spread to Humboldt and beyond.

“It’s Saskatchewan-wide, Canada-wide, and it’s even moving into [the United States] now,” Russell said.

The committee has collected funds and sponsorship to purchase shirts to give to all students in Tisdale for free. The shirts sell for $20 each, and can be purchased at an all-age dance Jan. 30 at the Civic Centre.

“It’s basically just a fun night with snacks, games, and we’re going to have a DJ there,” Russell said.

Crowley’s Work Wear in Tisdale will sell the shirts in its store, starting in February.

Russell thanked all sponsors for their support, and she said she’d like to see the program grow in Tisdale and surrounding communities as well.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, you can contact the 24-hour Prince Albert Mobile Crisis unit at (306) 764-1011 or the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310. Services are offered in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktuk by request 24/7.

Warning Signs of Suicide:
• Suicidal threats
• Statements revealing a desire to die
• Previous suicide attempts
• Sudden changes in behaviour (withdrawal, apathy, moodiness)
• Depression (crying, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, hopelessness)
• Final arrangements (such as giving away personal possessions)

Communities in need of mental health crisis counselling services can call 1-866-885-3933 ext. 4 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday to Friday.

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974